A few years ago, I was having a conversation with a new client who wanted to get in shape to run a marathon. She begins the conversation by warning me:
“Now, I must say, I’m not a real runner, I’m very slow and I’m just interested in finishing the race...although it would be nice to get a PR (personal record)”
I go on to tell her that no matter how far or how fast she runs, she is still considered a runner. She kind of brushes it off and I look at her and continued:
“If we’re going to do this together, we must build a solid foundation”
“Yes, absolutely--I’m ready to put on the miles” She replies
“The foundation I’m referring to is in regards to your mindset. Once we can sync a strong mind with the capabilities of your body, you’ll amaze yourself”
“I never give up” she replies: “Good, now let’s start with the acknowledgment--I am a runner” She looks at me hesitantly, but replies shyly: “Err I am a runner”
I knew that by having her say that aloud would not change anything, but it was the first step in getting her ready for the marathon.
She eventually went on to run her best time and qualified for the Boston Marathon! Not bad for a “non runner”
So many people set out to accomplish physical feats, yet not so many of us don’t take the time to condition the mind.
Whether it’s fitness or a new business venture, all new goals start with the right belief system.
Your belief system leads to the thoughts and the emotions you experience.
Those dictate how you communicate to yourself and the rest of the world. The way you communicate leads to the actions you take which turns into the habits you develop. This ultimately results in the lifestyle you attain.
Same belief system, same life.
With the new year ahead, many of us will have a list of goals to accomplish. I suggest doing two things:
Start in December where you’ll have time to build habits. You’ll be able to start January with momentum on your side. You’re much more likely to stick with your goals.
Secondly, start making some proper adjustments in your belief system.
Belief→ Thoughts/Emotions → Communication → Actions → Habits → Lifestyle
Before any major change in your habits can occur, there needs to be a major change in the way we look at ourselves. How do we identify ourselves.
Think about this for a second:
Do you identify yourself as a person who carries the potential to generate great changes in your life?
Or do you think life is tough, unfair and you are genetically predisposed to the life you currently have?
If you’ve always struggled with your weight and you’re having a hard time maintaining a fitness regimen, you have to ask yourself if you are properly identifying with yourself.
Wanting to create change in your life doesn’t mean changing who you are fundamentally.
You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not. I believe everyone has a massive potential to create the best version of themselves.
Most of us never tap into that potential because we are so focused on the wrong things. We are worried about what others will think, worried about failing, or even worried about too much success.
Nobody said it better that Dr Seuss: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”
The people around you who are going to judge you are going to do it anyways, so you might as well work on developing the best version of yourself so you can live with purpose.
If you don’t think you could change your belief, but you still want to change, then I encourage you to take a look at your behaviors and your day to day actions. Align those with things you value, develop consistency in your life and soon you’ll start to notice a shift in your confidence and identity.
Committed to your health,
Kendrick
“Now, I must say, I’m not a real runner, I’m very slow and I’m just interested in finishing the race...although it would be nice to get a PR (personal record)”
I go on to tell her that no matter how far or how fast she runs, she is still considered a runner. She kind of brushes it off and I look at her and continued:
“If we’re going to do this together, we must build a solid foundation”
“Yes, absolutely--I’m ready to put on the miles” She replies
“The foundation I’m referring to is in regards to your mindset. Once we can sync a strong mind with the capabilities of your body, you’ll amaze yourself”
“I never give up” she replies: “Good, now let’s start with the acknowledgment--I am a runner” She looks at me hesitantly, but replies shyly: “Err I am a runner”
I knew that by having her say that aloud would not change anything, but it was the first step in getting her ready for the marathon.
She eventually went on to run her best time and qualified for the Boston Marathon! Not bad for a “non runner”
So many people set out to accomplish physical feats, yet not so many of us don’t take the time to condition the mind.
Whether it’s fitness or a new business venture, all new goals start with the right belief system.
Your belief system leads to the thoughts and the emotions you experience.
Those dictate how you communicate to yourself and the rest of the world. The way you communicate leads to the actions you take which turns into the habits you develop. This ultimately results in the lifestyle you attain.
Same belief system, same life.
With the new year ahead, many of us will have a list of goals to accomplish. I suggest doing two things:
Start in December where you’ll have time to build habits. You’ll be able to start January with momentum on your side. You’re much more likely to stick with your goals.
Secondly, start making some proper adjustments in your belief system.
Belief→ Thoughts/Emotions → Communication → Actions → Habits → Lifestyle
Before any major change in your habits can occur, there needs to be a major change in the way we look at ourselves. How do we identify ourselves.
Think about this for a second:
Do you identify yourself as a person who carries the potential to generate great changes in your life?
Or do you think life is tough, unfair and you are genetically predisposed to the life you currently have?
If you’ve always struggled with your weight and you’re having a hard time maintaining a fitness regimen, you have to ask yourself if you are properly identifying with yourself.
Wanting to create change in your life doesn’t mean changing who you are fundamentally.
You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not. I believe everyone has a massive potential to create the best version of themselves.
Most of us never tap into that potential because we are so focused on the wrong things. We are worried about what others will think, worried about failing, or even worried about too much success.
Nobody said it better that Dr Seuss: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”
The people around you who are going to judge you are going to do it anyways, so you might as well work on developing the best version of yourself so you can live with purpose.
If you don’t think you could change your belief, but you still want to change, then I encourage you to take a look at your behaviors and your day to day actions. Align those with things you value, develop consistency in your life and soon you’ll start to notice a shift in your confidence and identity.
Committed to your health,
Kendrick
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